Patents by Inventor Flavio Tondolo
Flavio Tondolo has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20230204393Abstract: A device for checking the position of a mechanical element in translational or rotational motion which performs a predetermined stroke, the device being provided with a magnetic component integral with the mechanical element whose position is to be determined and a stationary magnetic sensor, the magnetic component has at least one magnetic element arranged according to a helical pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2021Publication date: June 29, 2023Applicant: STI S.R.LInventors: Flavio Tondolo, Mirko Coffetti, Roberto Valoti, Nicola Zenoni
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Publication number: 20190323584Abstract: Device (10) for converting a linear motion of a first mechanical element in a rotary one of a second mechanical element, having a pin (1) which realizes a coupling between the two mechanical elements, a guide block (3) housing the pin (1) and having inclined outer side surfaces (3?), two guide pads (5) provided with corresponding inclined inner side surfaces (5?), which are coupled with the inclined outer side surfaces (3?) of the guide block (3), and with outer side surfaces (5?) configured to be coupled with corresponding wings of the Scotch yoke (9), a spring element (6), configured to generate an elastic force (Fe) on the guide pads (5) such that the guide pads (5) slide on the guide block (3), wherein the inclined outer side surfaces (3?) of the guide block (3) and the inclined inner side surfaces (5?) of the guide pads (5) have the same inclination angle, the distance (A) between the outer side surfaces (5?) of the guide pads (5) is a function of the mutual position of the inclined inner side surfaces (Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2016Publication date: October 24, 2019Applicant: IMI STI S.r.l.Inventors: Flavio Tondolo, Davide Lamoure
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Patent number: 10337625Abstract: A slide flow distributor to direct and modulate a gaseous fluid, in inlet and outlet. This regulation is carried out by means of a spool, which conveys compressed air in a determined charging direction and puts in communication the other chamber with the environment at the same time. This is a servo-actuator which can be used in the field of pneumatic systems of valve actuation. It has a specific pneumatic servo-actuating system using compressed air. This distributor uses a linear motor using a new pneumatic servo-actuator which generates a force in the same direction of the axial force of the motor, with the result that the spool is accelerated in a predetermined direction. The pneumatic servo-actuator is made of a profiled body, a plurality of balls and corresponding elastic means which press the plurality of balls on the side surface of the profiled body.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2014Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: STI S.R.L.Inventor: Flavio Tondolo
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Patent number: 10296020Abstract: Booster valve (4) for pneumatic circuits, comprising: a hollow body (5), a pilot flow inlet/outlet gap (15) communicating directly with a control volume (16), an inlet/outlet gap (45) communicating with an actuator and communicating directly with an accumulation volume (29), a supplying gap (53) communicating directly with a supplying volume (38), a discharge gap (44), an amplified discharge shutter (25) which determines the sealing towards the discharge gap (44), a central device (43) comprising an amplified charge shutter (32) which determines the sealing towards the supplying gap (53), an activation piston (22) which, subjected to the pressure acting in the accumulation volume (29) and in the control volume (16), determines the movement of the amplified discharge shutter (25) or the amplified charge shutter, and having two separated and independent charge (47) and discharge (46); gain control devices which allow an independent adjustment between the charge and the discharge step and vice versa, and the cenType: GrantFiled: November 5, 2013Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: STI S.R.L.Inventor: Flavio Tondolo
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Publication number: 20170261111Abstract: Slide flow distributor (100) comprising a motor (1) moving directly a spool (2) by means of a rod (8) of the motor, a charge chamber (3) of the working fluid, in central position, in fluid communication with two discharge branches (4, 5) and two delivery branches (6, 7) and characterized in that from the portion of the spool (2) proximal to the motor (I) it is provided a pneumatic servo-actuator (9) generating a force in the same direction and development of the axial force of the motor (I), with the result that the spool (2) is accelerated in a predetermined direction, said pneumatic servo-actuator comprising a profiled body (52), a plurality of balls (50) and corresponding elastic means (5 1) which press said plurality of balls (50) on the side surface of the profiled body (52).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2014Publication date: September 14, 2017Applicant: STI SRLInventor: Flavio Tondolo
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Patent number: 9611857Abstract: An anti-surge system capable of anticipating a surge event in a compressor for readying the actuator to quickly actuate the anti-surge valve from the closed position to the open position. The control system includes a compressor surge controller configured to transmit a signal to the valve positioner when the operating point of the valve is approaching the surge control line. The compressor surge controller may monitor an operating margin equal to the difference between the operating point and the surge control line, and when the operating margin falls below a prescribed threshold, the compressor surge controller may send a signal to the positioner. In turn, the positioner may vent some pressure from the actuator. In this way, the dead time of the anti-surge valve on the valve seat is minimized and the valve will react more promptly to an opening signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2014Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: Control Components, Inc.Inventors: Fabio Giove, Flavio Tondolo, Marco Mastrovito
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Publication number: 20160349768Abstract: Booster valve (4) for pneumatic circuits, comprising: a hollow body (5), a pilot flow inlet/outlet gap (15) communicating directly with a control volume (16), an inlet/outlet gap (45) communicating with an actuator and communicating directly with an accumulation volume (29), a supplying gap (53) communicating directly with a supplying volume (38), a discharge gap (44), an amplified discharge shutter (25) which determines the sealing towards the discharge gap (44), a central device (43) comprising an amplified charge shutter (32) which determines the sealing towards the supplying gap (53), an activation piston (22) which, subjected to the pressure acting in the accumulation volume (29) and in the control volume (16), determines the movement of the amplified discharge shutter (25) or the amplified charge shutter, and having two separated and independent charge (47) and discharge (46); gain control devices which allow an independent adjustment between the charge and the discharge step and vice versa, and the cenType: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2013Publication date: December 1, 2016Applicant: STI SRLInventor: Flavio TONDOLO
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Patent number: 9250632Abstract: A valve positioner system with zero bleed at steady state is disclosed. The system has a pilot valve, the operation of which is controlled by an electronic circuit powered from a signaling and power connection of a positioner device. A plurality of pneumatic valves are activated and deactivated by the pilot valve to control a valve actuator. With varying configurations and arrangements of normally open or normally closed pilot valves and pneumatic valves, fail freeze and fail safe operations are contemplated. The activation and deactivation of the pilot valve is controlled by an electronic circuit that monitors a valve position signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2012Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: STI srlInventors: Flavio Tondolo, Roberto Valoti
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Publication number: 20150308442Abstract: An anti-surge system capable of anticipating a surge event in a compressor for readying the actuator to quickly actuate the anti-surge valve from the closed position to the open position. The control system includes a compressor surge controller configured to transmit a signal to the valve positioner when the operating point of the valve is approaching the surge control line. The compressor surge controller may monitor an operating margin equal to the difference between the operating point and the surge control line, and when the operating margin falls below a prescribed threshold, the compressor surge controller may send a signal to the positioner. In turn, the positioner may vent some pressure from the actuator. In this way, the dead time of the anti-surge valve on the valve seat is minimized and the valve will react more promptly to an opening signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2014Publication date: October 29, 2015Applicant: Control Components, Inc.Inventors: Fabio Giove, Flavio Tondolo, Marco Mastrovito
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Patent number: 8522818Abstract: A booster valve comprising a housing having a signal port, an actuator port, a supply port, and an exhaust port disposed therein. Disposed within the housing are upper and lower plugs. The upper and lower plugs and the housing collectively define a signal chamber which fluidly communicates with the signal port, an actuator chamber which fluidly communicates with the actuator port, and a supply chamber which fluidly communicates with the supply port. The upper and lower plugs are selectively moveable between neutral, delivery and discharge positions. When in the neutral position, the actuator chamber is fluidly isolated from both the supply chamber and the exhaust port. When in the delivery position, the actuator chamber fluidly communicates with the supply chamber but is fluidly isolated from the exhaust port. Finally, when in the discharge position, the actuator chamber fluidly communicates with the exhaust port but is fluidly isolated from the supply chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: STI SrlInventor: Flavio Tondolo
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Patent number: 8517335Abstract: A fail-freeze valve positioner system is disclosed. The system has a transducer with a first type output port connectible to a valve actuator, and a second type input port receptive to a valve position signal that is proportional to an output of the first type output port. In addition, the system has a monitoring circuit that generates a pilot activation signal while predefined conditions are met. A primary piloted valve in communication with the monitoring circuit is coupled to the first valve. The first type output port is disconnected from the valve actuator while the pilot activation signal and thus the first valve are deactivated, holding the valve actuator in place.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2010Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: STI SrlInventors: Flavio Tondolo, Roberto Valoti
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Patent number: 8301275Abstract: A method and device for controlling a process variable based upon a set point is disclosed. A process variable is measured, and a proportional term is assigned to a manipulated variable that is based upon a product of a proportional gain coefficient and an error magnitude between the process variable and the set point. An integral term is added to the manipulated variable under a first set of conditions, and a derivative term is added to the manipulated variable under a second set of conditions different from the first set of conditions. The sum of the proportional term, the integral term, and the derivative term is output, resulting in the process variable being responsively adjusted thereto.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: STI srlInventors: Flavio Tondolo, Roberto Valoti
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Patent number: 8261625Abstract: A stepper actuator including a brake drum and a central gear mechanically connected thereto. The brake drum and the central gear are selectively rotatable in opposing first and second rotational directions. First and second actuation members are moveable through first and second actuation cycles to incrementally rotate the central gear. The actuation members engage and subsequently disengage the central gear as they move through their actuation cycles. The actuation members are configured to rotate the central gear during engagement therewith. A braking assembly is operatively connected to the first and second actuation members and is frictionally engaged to the brake drum to prevent rotation of the brake drum when the first and second actuation members are each in a retracted position as occurs when neither is moving through a corresponding actuation cycle.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: STI srlInventors: Michele Picerno, Flavio Tondolo
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Patent number: 8201580Abstract: A valve positioner for controlling a valve closure element is provided. The positioner includes a positioner housing with a plurality of fluid flow passageways in fluid communication with a fluid supply source and the valve closure element. The positioner housing is configured to receive a detachable spool manifold assembly. The spool manifold assembly is positioned adjacent the plurality of fluid flow passageways. The spool manifold assembly includes a reciprocally moveable spool configured to selectively port fluid flow from the plurality of fluid flow passageways. The spool manifold assembly includes a diaphragm connected to the spool via a flexible shaft. The diaphragm is in fluid communication with a transducer for receiving a fluid causing the diaphragm to expand or contract and thereby displacing the spool. The flexible shaft is radially elastic in order to minimize axial backlash between the diaphragm and the spool. The flexible shaft configuration minimizes the spool stroke.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: STI srlInventor: Flavio Tondolo
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Publication number: 20110301724Abstract: A method and device for controlling a process variable based upon a set point is disclosed. A process variable is measured, and a proportional term is assigned to a manipulated variable that is based upon a product of a proportional gain coefficient and an error magnitude between the process variable and the set point. An integral term is added to the manipulated variable under a first set of conditions, and a derivative term is added to the manipulated variable under a second set of conditions different from the first set of conditions. The sum of the proportional term, the integral term, and the derivative term is output, resulting in the process variable being responsively adjusted thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventors: Flavio Tondolo, Roberto Valoti
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Publication number: 20110284083Abstract: A fail-freeze valve positioner system is disclosed. The system has a transducer with a first type output port connectible to a valve actuator, and a second type input port receptive to a valve position signal that is proportional to an output of the first type output port. In addition, the system has a monitoring circuit that generates a pilot activation signal while predefined conditions are met. A primary piloted valve in communication with the monitoring circuit is coupled to the first valve. The first type output port is disconnected from the valve actuator while the pilot activation signal and thus the first valve are deactivated, holding the valve actuator in place.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventors: Flavio Tondolo, Roberto Valoti
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Publication number: 20100243929Abstract: A booster valve comprising a housing having a signal port, an actuator port, a supply port, and an exhaust port disposed therein. Disposed within the housing are upper and lower plugs. The upper and lower plugs and the housing collectively define a signal chamber which fluidly communicates with the signal port, an actuator chamber which fluidly communicates with the actuator port, and a supply chamber which fluidly communicates with the supply port. The upper and lower plugs are selectively moveable between neutral, delivery and discharge positions. When in the neutral position, the actuator chamber is fluidly isolated from both the supply chamber and the exhaust port. When in the delivery position, the actuator chamber fluidly communicates with the supply chamber but is fluidly isolated from the exhaust port. Finally, when in the discharge position, the actuator chamber fluidly communicates with the exhaust port but is fluidly isolated from the supply chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2009Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventor: FLAVIO TONDOLO
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Publication number: 20090282937Abstract: A stepper actuator including a brake drum and a central gear mechanically connected thereto. The brake drum and the central gear are selectively rotatable in opposing first and second rotational directions. First and second actuation members are moveable through first and second actuation cycles to incrementally rotate the central gear. The actuation members engage and subsequently disengage the central gear as they move through their actuation cycles. The actuation members are configured to rotate the central gear during engagement therewith. A braking assembly is operatively connected to the first and second actuation members and is frictionally engaged to the brake drum to prevent rotation of the brake drum when the first and second actuation members are each in a retracted position as occurs when neither is moving through a corresponding actuation cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2008Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventors: MICHELE PICERNO, Flavio Tondolo
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Publication number: 20090178713Abstract: A valve positioner for controlling a valve closure element is provided. The positioner includes a positioner housing with a plurality of fluid flow passageways in fluid communication with a fluid supply source and the valve closure element. The positioner housing is configured to receive a detachable spool manifold assembly. The spool manifold assembly is positioned adjacent the plurality of fluid flow passageways. The spool manifold assembly includes a reciprocally moveable spool configured to selectively port fluid flow from the plurality of fluid flow passageways. The spool manifold assembly includes a diaphragm connected to the spool via a flexible shaft. The diaphragm is in fluid communication with a transducer for receiving a fluid causing the diaphragm to expand or contract and thereby displacing the spool. The flexible shaft is radially elastic in order to minimize axial backlash between the diaphragm and the spool. The flexible shaft configuration minimizes the spool stroke.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2008Publication date: July 16, 2009Inventor: Flavio Tondolo
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Patent number: 7533589Abstract: Provided is a motion converter which comprises a housing, a cam plate reciprocal to the housing, a lower link and an upper link. The cam plate has a groove which extends diagonally across the width thereof. The lower link is pivotably mounted to the housing and has a cam pin and a slot formed at a free end thereof. The cam pin is engageable to the groove of the cam plate. The upper link is also pivotably mounted to the housing in offset relationship to the lower link. A free end of the upper link has a link pin which is engageable to the slot. The motion converter is configured such that the lower link pivots in response to slidable movement of a cam pin within the groove during reciprocation of the cam plate. The upper link is configured to pivot in response to the slidable movement of the link pin within the slot during pivoting in a lower link.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2006Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Control Components, Inc.Inventor: Flavio Tondolo